A Lavington player who only returned to provincial earlier this month will look to make the most of the reprieve in the grand final series against North Albury.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Batsman Matt Tom was dropped in January, but successive knocks of 92 and 129 not out in second grade forced a recall.
"I love playing A grade cricket and the highest standard possible, but I guess looking back on it, a couple of weeks in the seconds, I did really enjoy spending a lot of time in the middle," he said.
"There wasn't one particular thing I worked on, it was just about building an innings and I guess being that rock to bat around and holding the innings together."
The 20-year-old did just that in the thrilling preliminary final win over Wodonga.
Batting at number six after opening at all levels for much of his senior career, Tom steadied the Panthers, who were on the verge of bowing out.
The left-hander compiled his second-highest score of the season at first grade level, making 48 in a vital 66-run stand seventh-wicket stand with Brad Dalbosco.
"It was probably in Wodonga's favour at 6-110, but the way 'Dal' and myself put a partnership together it gives us both a lot of confidence going into the grand final," he said.
Lavington will host North in Saturday's first game.
- Receive our daily newsletter straight to your inbox each morning from The Border Mail. Sign up here
